Camera



Aug. 16, 1938. w. WRIGHT CAMERA Filed Nov. 26, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet. l

Aug. 16, 1938. w. l.. WRIGHT 2,127,197

CAMERA Filed Nov. 26, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Aug. 1s, 193s l 2,127,197

UNITED STATE-s PATENT oFFlc CAMERA Walter L. Wright, Santa Monica, Calif., assigner to Synchrome Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif., a corporation of California Application November 26, 1934, Serial No. 754,763 7 Claims. (Cl. 95-2) This invention has to do with photography perature or atmospheric changes or because of and has particular reference to cameras useful in rough handling of the camera. the production of multicolor or natural color Another object of the invention is to provide a photographic reproductions or-pictures. A genlight dividing and color filter unit for a camera 5 eral object of this invention is to provide a simple, in which replacements may be easily and quickly 5 practical and inexpensive camera that is adapted made Without special tools or equipment. to employ commercial roll lm and that is op- Another object of the invention is to provide an erable to simultaneously take a plurality of picoptical unit of the character mentioned in which tures or color records of a single object from a e the light dividing means is fully protected against l single point of vision, said pictures or records bemoisture and accumulations of dust, etc. l0 ing of different chromatic values suitable for Another object of the invention is to provide an natural colo-r reproductions. The camera of the optical unit of the character mentioned that is present invention is adapted to be employed in adapted for use in a motion picture camera. the production of multicolor pictures in accord- Another object of the invention is to provide an l ance with the method set forth and claimed in optical system of the character mentioned that l5 United States Letters Patent No. 1,890,764, grantincludes color filters of thin celluloid, gelatin or ed to me December 18, 1932, and in the production the like, that are maintained in a curved condiof film of the character described and claimed in tion so that they do not Warp or Wrinkle to any United States Letters Patent No. 1,857,578 grantappreciable extent.

-0 ed to me May 10, 1932, except that the particular Another object of the inventionis to provide a 20 embodiment herein described is intended for the camera of the character mentioned in which the production of still pictures. film may be easily and properly threaded into po- In making a plurality of negatives of different sition for exposure and which does not involve chromatic values simultaneously from a single film engaging pressure plates or like parts at the point of vision it is necessaryto employ a light exposure apertures. 25 dividing means in the camera. Heretofore prisms A further object of the invention is to proor glass plates have been used in cameras as light vide a camera of the character mentioned that is dividing elements. Prisms and glass plates are operable to take or photograph a plurality of expensive and considerable light is lost where they small negatives that are sufliciently accurate that are employed as light dividers. When glass plates enlargements in the color reproductions corre- 30 are vused as light dividing elements it becomes spond in size. necessary to provide means to correct the `distor- The various objects and features of my intion caused by the refraction of th'e light transvention will be fully understood from lthe followmitted by the plates and to provide means for ing detailed description of a typical preferred eliminating the double images resulting from the form and application of the invention, throughout 35 reflection of light from the opposite surfaces of which description reference is made to the acthe plates. companying drawings, in which:

One of the objects of this invention is to pro- Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a camera embodying vide a practical and very inexpensive light dividthe present invention. Fig. 2 is a front elevation l0 ing means that does not necessitate the provision of the camera. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical de- 40 of means for compensating for the refraction oi.' tailed sectional view taken substantially as inlight. dicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2 illustrating the de- Another object of the invention is to provide a tails of the optical system and illm guiding unit. light dividing and color filter unit for a camera Fig. 4 is a transverse or horizontal detailed sec- L5 that is removable and that is so inexpensive that tional View of the optical system and nlm guide. 45 its replacement as a whole or unit is not prohibiunit removed from the case taken substantially as tive, indicated by line 4--4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a top or Another object of the invention is to provide an plan view of the optical system and iilm guiding optical system for a camera comprising light unit removed from the case illustrating the man- 0 dividing elements of very thin transparent maner of threading or training the nlm about the 50 terial whereby there is no visible double image guide. Fig. 6 is the face or front elevation of one or appreciable refraction. .f of the frames of one of the reiiectors. Fig. 7 is Another object of the invention is to provide a a front elevation of the frame of the other relight dividing and color filter unit for a camera iiector. Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertii that does not require adjustment because of temcal sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 6'l on Fig. 6 illustrating the transparent material of the reflector secured to the frame and Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken as indicated by line 6-6 on Pig. 'l illustratlngthe transparent and light refleeting material secured to the frame. v

The camera provided by the present invention includes, generally. a case Il and a removable assembly in the case comprising a light dividing and nlterlng unit il and a nlm guiding and advancing means I2.

The case Il may be varied considerably without departing from the invention. The particular case Ill illustrated in the drawings is a simple, hollow, rectangular structure of the character commonly employed in box cameras. In accordance with the invention the case I6 may be proportioned to be readily carried from place to place by the user or photographer and a suitable handle Il is provided on the top of the case. 'The case I0 has glassed view finder openings I4 and an opening I6 for determining the extent of advancement of the film. A centrally located light admitting opening I6 is provided in the front of the case i6. A manually controllable shutter l1 governs the admission of light into the case through the opening I6. The invention is not concerned with the type of shutter or shutter operating means employed and the details of these structures have been omitted from the drawings as they are well known to those skilled in the art. The rear wall or back Il of the case I6 may be hinged or removable to allow for the ready insertion and withdrawal of the internal assembly. A suitable lock or latch Il is provided for holding the back Il closed.

The internal assembly comprising the light dividing and filtering unit il and the nlm guiding means I2 is preferably arranged or mounted in the case Il so that it may be easily and quickly removed therefrom for the purpose of threading in or replacing the film F and for the purpose of replacing the unit Il or its parts. The internal removable assembly of the camera includes two spaced carriers or plates 20. Plate-like guides 2i are provided on theouter sides of the plates 2l to slidably fit the inner surfaces of the case I6 to position and support the assembly in the case. The' carrier plates or base plates 26 are parallel and may be substantially rectangular as illustrated in the drawings.

The light dividing and filtering unit I l includes a flange-like carrier or base 22 removably attached to a plate 20 as by screws 2l or the like. The base 22 may be substantially disc shaped and may have a concentric or central inwardly projecting boss 24. A substantially disc shaped plate 2l may be arranged on the boss 24 and may have a flange engaging the periphery of the boss 2l. The plate 26 supports or carries two light dividers or reflectors A and B of the unit I I. In accordance with the invention the reflectors A and B comprise very thin sheets or plates 26 of transparent material. 'I'he light dividers or reflectors A and B are in crossed relation to intercept the light entering the camera.

It has been found practical to make the sheets or plates 26 of the reflectors A and B of gelatin, collodion or Celluloid or certain combinations of the same. It may be preferred toform the sheets or plates 26 of Celluloid as this material is less sensitive to atmospheric conditions than gelatin. The sheets or plates 26 of the reflectors A and B are preferably clear transparent members. However, it is to be understoodV that the reflector piece of material forming the frame.

plates 26 may be colored to act as color filters as well as reflectors. When formed of gelatin the sheets or plates 2l of the reflectors may have protective coatings of Cel1uloid,.lacquer or the like to protect them against atmospheric conditions, nger prints, dustI etc. In accordance with the invention the light reflecting and transmitting sheets or plates 2l are from .001" to .002" in thickness so that there is practically no refraction of the transmitted light and no visible second or double reflected image because the images reflected from the front and rear surfaces so closely coincide that they are not separately visible. 'I'he glass plate reflectors heretofore employed as light dividers in similar situations. owing to their thickness, caused the images reflected from their rear and front surfaces to be offset a substantial amount, which produced double images making it necessary to employ transparent plates having colors complementary to the respective filters to absorb the rear surface reflections. 'Ihe light reflecting and transmitting sheets or plates 26 of the reflectors A and B in being very thin simplify the camera and make it inexpensive and particularly effective.

Theunit Il includes improved and particularly effective means for carrying or mounting the sheets or plates 26 of the reflectors A and B. While each light dividing element or reflector A and B may be in two sections I have found it advantageous to make the transparent sheet or plate 26 of one reflector integral or one-piece and make the transparent plate 26 of the other reflector of two sections. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the plate 26 of the reflector A comprises one continuous unit or section while the plate 26 of the reflector B comprises two sections 26 and 26h. 'Ihe reflector A includes a frame 26 to carry its transparent sheet or plate 26 while the reflector B includes a frame 21 for supporting its two sheets or plates 26. The frames I6 and 21 may be formed of Bakelite or aluminum to be light in weight or may be formed of brass or other suitable metal. In the preferred construction the frames 36 and 21 are substantially square or rectangular in outline, the two reflectors A and B being of substantially the same size. 'I'he frame 26 of the reflector A extends substantially the entire distance around the edge portion of the transparent sheet or plate 26. A space or gap 26 occurs between the opposite ends of the piece of material comprising the frame 36. The gap 26 is preferably in the upper end of the frame and is equally spaced between its opposite vertical side parts. A pin or wire 29 of relatively small diameter is secured in grooves 26` in inner corners of the opposite end portions of the member forming the frame 36 and extends across the gap 26 to connect the said end portions. One side surface 36 of the frame 36 is accurately machined or finished to receive or carry the transparent sheet or plate 26. The wire 26 has a surface substantially flush with the said surface 30.

The frame 21 of the reflector B extends along the top and side edge portions of the sections 26* and 26b of the transparent sheet 26 comprising the reflector B. The frame 21 extends inwardly along the lower edges of the sections 26*l and 2Gb and a space or gap 3| occurs between the ends of the The frame 21 has a side surface 30 to which the sections 26l and 26b are secured. The gap 3| is preferably equally spaced between the opposite vertical extremities of the frame.

The opposing inner edges 75 of the transparent reflector sections 28 and 2Gb are spaced a short distance apart leaving a slot which is equally spaced between the opposite side extremities of the reflector. Wires 33 of small diameter extend along the adjacent opposing edge portions of the twotransparent. sections 26l and 26h to support the inner edge portions of the sections against sagging, wrinkling, etc. y The opposite end portions of the wires 33 are secured in notches or grooves 34 in inner corners of the upper and lower portions of the frame 21. The wires 33 are spaced a short distance apart whereby the 26 of the reparts of the 'frames 36 and 21 are in substantially the same planes. The transparent sheets or plates 26 of the reflectors A and B are cemented or joined to the surfaces 30 and the wires 29 and 33 of the frames 36 and 21 so that they are maintained under a proper strain or tautness.

The light dividing elements or reflectors A and B formed and assembled as described above are deflnitely or accurately secured in position on the plate 25. Four spaced studs or posts 35 project inwardly from the plate 25. The outer portions or arms of the frames 36 and 21 are brought into engagement with the posts 25 and cemented by the opening I6.

-One of the plates 20 has a mask apron or wall 31 The light dividing elements or reflectors A and B cross where they intersect the axis of the optical system. The reflectors A and Bpass or transmit a certain amount of light from the opening 38 directly inwardly. The reflector A reflects a portion of the light laterally in one direction while the reflector B reflects a portion of the light laterally in substantially the opposite direction. It is important that the reflecting surfaces of the re i'lectors A and B be disposed at less than 90 with relation to onev another substantially as illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings. When the reflectors A and `B are related in this manner they reflect more light than they would if they were disposed at 90 with relation to one another. When crossed reflectors are disposed at 90 transmit more light than they reflect so that the transmitted image receives more light than the reflected images thus necessitating the provision of' platinum or other reflecting material on the reflectors. With the reflectors A and B positioned as illustrated in the drawings it is usually unnecessary to provide them with reflecting material.

they` y N 3 Further, with the arrangement ilistreted and described there is less light lost by being reflected from one reflector to' the other because such reflected light strikes the reflectors at a less acute tangle and more o! it is transmitted by the reflecors.

The light dividing and filtering unit l I includes an apertured wall 40 It is pre- It is to be noted that 42 fully close and seal the aper- O against the entrance of dust,

against dust, etc. f

'Ihe film guiding and advancing means I2 is adapted to handle the typical or common forms of roll fllm now on the market. The means I2 includes a lm guide curved about the point of intersection of the crossed reflectors A and B.v

'I'he guide 50 is spaced outwardly 40 and may be a continuation of 31. In the particular structure illustrated in the drawings the guide 50 is integral with the wall 31 and the plate 20 carrying the Wall 31. Three circumferentially spaced apertures X, Y and Z instances the to the light reflected by the reflector A, the aperture Y is aligned with the aperture N to expose the film F to the light transmitted by the reflectors A and B and the aperture Z is aligned with the aperture O to expose the film F to the light reflected by the reflector B. The outer surface of the guide 50 supports and guides the film F and is properly finished for this purpose. In some film guide 50 may be concentrically curved about the point of intersection of the reflectors A and B. However, where a lens of large aperture is employed it is preferred to make the film guiding surfaces of the guide 50 adjacent the apertures X, Y and Z, of a greater radii of curvature as illustrated in the drawings.

The film F is trained around the guide so that three picture areas are simultaneously exposed upon the opening of the shutter I1. The supply roll of film F may be arranged on a spool 6I and is adapted to be reeled upon a spool 52. Recesses 58 are provided in the front wall 31 to receive or partially receive the spools 5i and 52. Trunnions or pins 54 on leaf springs 60 extend into openings in the ends of the spools 5i and 52 to support the spools for rotation. A winding key 5l is provided at the exterior of the case lil for rotating the spool 52 to take or reel up the film F. The usual ratchet means (not shown) may be provided in connection with the take-up key 55 to prevent reverse rotation of the spool 52. A spring 6I may be provided to engage the roll of the film to exert a frictional drag and prevent undesirable looseness of the spools and film F.

The invention provides simple means for maintaining the film in proper engagement with the outer surface of the guide Sli. Studs 5B project inwardly toward one another from the spaced .plates 2li adjacent the opposite ends of the guide 50. The studs 58 are spaced short distances from the ends of the guide 50 so that the film may be trained between them and the guide. The studs 56 are located so that they retain the film in proper engagement with the guide 50. If found desirable the guide studs 56 may be provided with rotatable sleeves or rollers. In accordance with the invention the opposite or opposing ends of the studs 56 are spaced a considerable distance apart so that the tab T at the end of the film-may be easily drawn or fed between them and the guide 5U. Fig. 5 of the drawings illustrates the manner in which the film F may be readily threaded under the studs 58.

Upon opening the back I8 of the case Ill the internal assembly may be easily withdrawn from the case for the purpose of training the film F over the guide 50 and arranging it so that it may bereeled upon the spool 52. It will be understood how the light dividing and filtering unit il or any of its parts may be replaced when the assembly is removed from the case lil. When the parts are properly arranged and assembled in the positions illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings the camera is in condition for operation. Opening of the shutter i1 of course admits light into the camera to be transmitted and reflected by the crossed reflectors A and B. A portion of the incoming light is transmitted through the reflectors A and B to fall on the film exposed at the aperture Y. A portion of the light is reflected by the reiiectorA to fall on the portion of the film exposed at the aperture X while a portion of the light is reflected by the reflector B to fall on the film exposed at the aperture Z. In this manner three spaced portions or picture areas of the film are simultaneously exposed to light from a single source or angle. The three exposures are of different chromatic values depending upon the character of the light filters 42.

As previously pointed out, the sheets or plates 2| of the reflectors A and B are very thin so that they do not cause any appreciable refraction of the transmitted light and do not produce sufiicient double reflections or double images to necessitate the coloring ofthe reflectors and the filtering out of theback reflected images and therefore all of the reflection from both the front and back surfaces is available thereby increasing the efilciency of the unit. The reflectors A and B are fully protected' against dust, etc. and are arranged and mounted so that they may be easily and quickly replaced when necessary. Further, the reflectors A and B are very inexpensive of manufacture. The light filters 42 serve to seal the light passing apertures of the wall 4D as well as chromatically influence the light reflected and transmitted by the reflectors A and B. The filters I2 are simple, inexpensive members or elements and may be easily exchanged one for the other or replaced. The camera of the present invention embodies a'^1ight dividing optical sys-l tem and film guiding and advancing unit that involves a minimum number of simple, inexpensive, parts.

Having described only a. typical form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific `form and application herein set forth,vbut wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scop'e of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In photographic apparatus, film guiding means comprising a curved part around which the film is adapted to be arranged, said part having picture apertures, light dividing means within said part, a wall around the light dividing means having apertures aligned with the apertures in said part, and light filters at the last mentioned apertures.

2. In photographic apparatus, film guiding means comprising a curved part around which the film is adapted to be arranged, said part having picture apertures, light dividing means 4within said part, a wall enclosing the light dividing means, the wall having apertures aligned with the first mentioned apertures, and light filters extending across and sealing the last mentioned apertures.

3. In photographic apparatus, film guiding means comprising a curved part around which the film is adapted to be arranged, said part having picture apertures, light dividing means within said part, a curved wall surrounding the light dividing means, the said wall having apertures aligned with the apertures in the said part, and light filters secured to said Wall to extend across and seal the last mentioned openings.

4. In photographic apparatus, an optical system unit comprising, light dividing means, a curved wall enclosing said means, said wall having llight apertures, and relatively thin light transmitting members secured to said wall to seal said apertures and curved substantially concentric with the wall whereby they are prevented from wrinkling and buckling, atleast one of said members being colored to chromatically iniiuence light.

5. In photographic apparatus, a carrier, a

curved guide projecting from the carrier around Y which a nlm may be arranged, the guide having apertures, and a removable unit on the carrier within the guide, the unit including a light dividing means, a wall extending around the said means and having apertures aligned with the apertures of the guide, and light illters at the apertures.

B. In photographic apparatus, a carrier, a curved guide projecting from the carrier around whichaiilmmaybearranged,theguidehaving 5 apertures. a base. means detachahly securing the base to the carrier within the guide, light dividing means on the base, a wall on the base spaced between the guide and the light dividing means, there being apertures in the wall, and light filters at the apertures in the wall.

'1. In photographic apparatus, an optical system unit comprising. a pair oi' crossed light dividing reflectors, a wall enclosing said means and having a part substantially curved about the point of intersection of the reectors. there being spaced apertures in said part, and relatively thin light alters secured to said part of the wall to extend across its apertures and curved substantially concentric with said part whereby they are prevented from wrinkling and buckling.

wsL'nm L. WRIGHT. 

